PM Anwar says a special Cabinet meeting tomorrow will decide whether to appeal the High Court’s ruling on Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement
TAWAU: The Federal Government will decide at a special Cabinet meeting tomorrow whether to appeal a High Court’s decision that Sabah is entitled to 40% of revenue collected in the state.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would first consider the Attorney-General’s advice before making any decision on filing an appeal.
“I have called the meeting for tomorrow,” he said in his speech at the Malaysia Digital roadshow here today.
“We will first hear the Attorney-General’s statement on whether to appeal or not.”
Anwar acknowledged there are shortcomings and limitations in the matter but hoped all parties would understand the situation.
“The court has directed us to negotiate, and I said that is acceptable and we will negotiate,” he stated.
“But as of today, who do we negotiate with?”
He explained that the Sabah government is currently a caretaker government following the recent dissolution of the state assembly.
“After the state election on Nov 29 and the formation of the new government, I will instruct that negotiations be conducted immediately,” he added.
Anwar stressed that his administration has allocated larger provisions to Sabah compared to previous governments.
He revealed Sabah now receives an annual allocation of RM17 billion, compared with federal revenue collected in the state of about RM10 billion yearly.
“As Prime Minister, I increased special allocations to Sabah by RM600 million,” he said.
“But this is not final; the state government has requested additional funds, and in the upcoming meeting, we will negotiate how much more can be allocated.”
Addressing opposition criticism, Anwar questioned what exactly they were angry about given the increased allocations.
“Under the previous government, only RM56 million was allocated,” he noted.
“We increased it to RM600 million, and yet you are still unhappy?”
Anwar emphasised the MADANI Government’s policies always emphasise fairness for all states, including Sabah’s priority in national development.
He said it was inappropriate for any party to express anger given the government’s strong commitment to safeguarding Sabah’s rights under MA63.
Separately, the prime minister confirmed tomorrow’s special Cabinet meeting would not discuss a rumoured Cabinet reshuffle.
Regarding Datuk Ewon Benedick’s resignation as minister, Anwar described it as premature while the government still reviews aspects of Sabah’s 40% revenue issue. – Bernama
